Casey, who was scheduled to speak at a public event in Spencer’s Island on Wednesday afternoon, has his absence explained by local county councilor Don Fletcher and Cumberland South MLA Jamie Baillie.

“I called Bill and asked him to speak today, and he said he would be glad to,” said Fletcher. “But Bill had a heart attack Sunday evening at his cottage in Tidnish, and they got him to the hospital where he had another heart attack.”

Fletcher urged all present at the event, which was the 50th anniversary of the unveiling of the Mary Celeste cairn on Spencer’s Island beach, to keep Casey in their thoughts.

“Through it all, he told his wife to make sure to call Don Fletcher and Heather McLellan and let them know he won’t be able to be here today,” said Fletcher.

Baillie, who said he has spoken to Casey’s wife Rosemary twice since Sunday, offered his best wishes to the former MP, and a further update on his condition.

“Bill is stable, and was home briefly after being in Amherst, and is expected to be sent to Halifax after further tests,” said Baillie. “I know I speak for everyone in Cumberland County when I wish Bill a speedy and full recovery.”